"Is it? It never seemed so to me."
"That is because you have known nothing better."
"But I like it, papa, just as it is. I have always been happy here."
"Really happy, Anne?"
The girl paused, and reflected a moment. "Yes," she said, looking into the depths of the fire, with a smile, "I am happy all the time. I am never anything but happy."
William Douglas looked at her. The fire-light shone on her face; she turned her clear eyes toward him.
"Then you do not mind the children? They are not a burdensome weight upon you?"
"Never, papa; how can you suppose it? I love them dearly, next to you."
"And will you stand by them, Anne? Note my words: I do not urge it, I simply ask."
"Of course I will stand by them, papa. I give a promise of my own accord. I will never forsake them as long as I can do anything for them, as long as I live. But why do you speak of it? Have I ever neglected them or been unkind to them?" said the girl, troubled, and very near tears.